SHAH ALAM, Sept 9 — Air quality in Selangor reached unhealthy levels this morning, with Johan Setia recording the highest Air Pollution Index (API) reading at 164.
According to the Environment Department’s Environmental Quality Monitoring System (EQMS), Shah Alam recorded an API of 160, followed by Banting (154), Petaling Jaya (153), Klang (153) and Kuala Selangor (132).
Nationwide, Sarikei in Sarawak recorded the highest API reading at 214, which falls under the very unhealthy level.
Nine other areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy readings, including Samarahan (185), Kuching (184), Sarikei (173), ILP Miri (171), Sri Aman (171), Samalaju (168), Bintulu (155), Mukah (154) and Miri (131).
Only five areas recorded good API readings, namely Minden, Penang (48), Alor Setar, Kedah (43), Kangar, Perlis (36), Balik Pulau, Penang (36) and Langkawi, Kedah (21).
An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy and an API above 300 is hazardous.
The public is advised to limit outdoor activities, especially in areas recording unhealthy API levels, and take necessary precautions to reduce exposure to haze.
Those who need to be outdoors are encouraged to wear face masks and minimize prolonged exposure.
